The Vacation Gals Top Travel Destinations for 2014

The Vacation Gals top travel destinations for 2014 is our first such list, but presumably not our last. After all, a short list of five recommended travel destinations leaves a lot of great places off the list. Nevertheless, five is a manageable number; wouldn’t it be fun to try to get to each of these places in one year? Considering how few vacations Americans are able to take each year, even one would be wonderful, actually. Travel expands our horizons both literally and figuratively — this year, The Vacation Gals hope everyone does their best to venture out to a new place in the world. New experiences make all of our lives richer and more meaningful.

One of The Vacation Gals top travel destinations for 2014 is Kauai. While it lacks the relative hustle and bustle of Oahu and the chic glam of much of Maui, it makes up for that in spades with its plethora of stunning, immersive outdoor adventure activities. In fact, that’s precisely why it’s so recommended. From snorkeling and scuba diving on the south side in Poipu, to catamaran sails and views of the Na Pali coastline in the west, to biking around Kapa’a on the east side, to rainforest hikes, horseback riding and paddle boarding on the north side in Hanalei Bay, Kauai has all of the old Hawaii nature and beauty with any modern travel convenience you may want as well.

Berlin, Germany is the second of The Vacation Gals top travel destinations for 2014. West Berlin is leafy, green and well-established, while East Berlin is so ever-changing that its urban landscape seems to change every few years. Investigating the incredibly creative and avant-garde architecture (like Alexanderplatz) makes it clear that ever since the Berlin Wall came down, East Germans are emphatically making up for its stifling effects. Museum Island, the Reichstag and more provide so much in terms of cultural tourism, and a 1/2 day trip to Potsdam helps satisfy those wit ha yen for German countryside.

Another of the Vacation Gals top travel destination for 2014 should be obvious: Sao Paulo, Brazil. The 2014 World Cup will be there, of course, and hotels are already booking up. Problems persist regarding the stadiums being built; at last count, the five remaining venues are not ready for the World Cup yet. the World Cup is in June. Twelve stadiums in total will (hopefully) be ready for Brazil to host the World Cup. The biggest problem right now is the delay with building the Arena de Baixada, so anyone planning a Brazil trip in June may want to consider staying closer to a different stadium. But have faith, soccer fans; Brazil hosted the World Cup before, back in 1950.

The Vacation Gals fourth recommended travel destination for 2014 is Costa Rica. Being in Latin America, its beaches border two oceans — the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean — and in between is one of the most bucolic rain forested countries in the world. It’s also one of the happiest, with Pura Vida, and a friendly, peaceful culture. Ecotourism is the name of the game here; in fact, Costa Rica’s government has pledged to be the first carbon-neutral country and is aiming for 2021 to reach this status. Stay in an ecolodge, such as the Finca Luna Nueva near Arenal or the Luna Lodge in Corcovado National Park. Try zip-lining, snorkeling and scuba diving, hiking, and other outdoor activities in Costa Rica — it’s the perfect “first” Latin or South American country for travelers who have been henceforth wary about traveling outside of the United States.

The fifth of The Vacation Gals top travel destination for 2014 is really exotic, so hold on to your hats…it’s…the United States of America!* And seriously, why not? Ours is a huge, huge country and a traveler could spend her life visiting different states and still not see everything that the United States has to offer. From the temperate rain forests of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, to the deserts of the American Southwest, from the greatest city in the world (New York City) to midwest cities and towns with small town charm, from the cowboy culture of Cheyenne to the hipster scenes in Brooklyn, Austin and Portland, a more geographically and culturally diverse country doesn’t exist. The Vacation Gals recommend exploring different regions of the United States this year. After all, you’re (probably) proud to be an American. Get out there and discover exactly what that means.

The Vacation Gals top travel destinations for 2014 list is hardly inclusive, since we narrowed it down to our top five recommendations. Suffice it to say that all travel is good (unless you’re the doofus traveling to South Africa to shoot an endangered Black Rhino). Wherever you go this year, may your travels be exciting, boundary-stretching, and fun.

*Yeah, yeah, Kauai is part of the United States, we know. Let’s say this one means mainland USA. Better?

My husband and I took a dream trip to SW Utah last year…and then the national parks closed after our first day in the region. Even so, we had an amazing time. There was still plenty to see and do. Turns out Utah has some pretty wonderful state parks. Also, do not miss Hell’s Backbone Grill in Boulder, Utah. I had the best breakfast of my life there. It was simple, but delicious.

In 2014, I’ll be basking in my memories of Utah, planning a 2015 cruise to Alaska with extended family, and likely visiting several colleges in the Midwest.

I know what you mean! Not that I’ll go a year without a stamp in my passport (for the time being) but one of my travel dreams is to spend a week at each US national Park. That’s like a lifetime of trips right there.

As a huggggge soccer fan (especially of the Spanish National Team and defending champs), I would love to make it Sao Paulo! I had a very short list this year, and just added a new destination when I gleefully found a ticket that was cheaper to Berlin – India!!

Mr Gran Canaria Local briefly worked in San Francisco, so we’re well aware of the shortage of holidays for Americans. Great list, though, with one notable exception. How could you have missed off Gran Canaria?